Surprise Idea from the Germans: EURO in the Balkans!

*11 Freunde*, one of Germany's leading football magazines, has come up with an extraordinary proposal that is stirring excitement in the football world: hosting a future European Football Championship jointly by the countries that once formed former Yugoslavia. This bold project imagines combining the region's fiery football atmosphere with the tournament spirit. According to the plan, the capitals of the states created by the dissolution of Yugoslavia will sit at the center of the tournament. Potential host cities are Zagreb from Croatia, Belgrade from Serbia, Sarajevo from Bosnia-Herzegovina, Skopje from North Macedonia, Ljubljana from Slovenia, and Podgorica from Montenegro. Each of these cities has the potential to add a unique flair to the tournament with its unique football culture and history. The German magazine emphasizes why such an organization would be "spectacular". The football passion in the Balkans is famously known worldwide. The unique atmosphere created by the fan groups, the excitement brought by eternal rivalries, and the region's unique hospitality could make this tournament unforgettable. According to the idea, it would not be just a football tournament, but also a cultural fest. However, serious obstacles stand in the way of this brilliant idea. Political sensitivities between the countries, past tensions, and issues of organizational harmony are the biggest challenges of the project. Bringing stadiums and infrastructure up to UEFA standards, addressing security concerns, and uniting the six different countries' federations for a single purpose requires tremendous effort. Despite all its challenges, the symbolic meaning carried by such a tournament would be priceless. After the conflicts of years ago, bringing the Balkan countries together under one roof with the unifying power of sports could give a strong message of peace and brotherhood to the whole world. Football's potential to build a bridge that transcends political boundaries is the most touching aspect of this project. Although it is currently just a concept on the pages of a magazine, the idea of "EURO in the Balkans" is an exciting dream for football romantics. To make this project a reality, national federations and UEFA need to show a common will. Although it remains to be seen how realistic the idea is over time, it is of great importance as it once again reminds us of the cross-border nature of sports.